On August 2 the Southern Connecticut Modern Quilt Guild hosted a reception at C.H. Booth Library. Since June 1, works by guild members have provided a bright backdrop to events hosted in the library’s main public meeting room, as well as those using the adjacent hallway, for the past month. The exhibition is scheduled to remain on view until August 31.

Typically, viewing the exhibit is a solo experience that could be difficult to follow without picking up a program available at the entrance of the meeting room listing each piece of artwork, along with each artist’s name, and other details.

The artwork reproduced in the quilts ranges from portraits to marine life.

The possibilities are endless with modern quilting because, unlike the traditional style, modern quilting has no rules. It is experimental, allowing artists to let their imaginations run wild.

The reception gave guests an opportunity to meet and greet the artists, who enthusiastically discussed their quilts.

Creating a quilt can take anywhere from months to years. The artist in attendance last week appeared very excited to discuss their work. Their enthusiasm created a welcoming environment that fostered communication.

The event was intimate, but attracted a good amount of guests including members of the guild, families, and curious residents and library patrons.

The main attraction was, of course, the quilts, but there were also other activities. Guests could watch demonstrations or actually learn how to quilt.

At the beginning of the event, Guild Vice President Terri Garneau was thoroughly engaged making a Kawandi quilt. According to Garneau, this is a traditional style from India that is hand-stitched with scrap fabric.

Lin Elmo, another guild member, taught guests how to make a fused collage. She helped Stephen Auresto create an image of a girl out of fabric. She also had an example that she made on display — a highly detailed beach scene.

Upcoming Events

The Guild has several upcoming events in September. Members expressed the most anticipation for an Open House on September 9 at Weston Public Library.

This is when their round-robin quilt will be revealed.

The round-robin quilt is a cumulative effort among guild members that takes about a year to create. Each participant has a month to add whatever they want to the quilt, and then they pass it on.

No one knows what it looks like until the big reveal, so there is expected to be a lot of excitement surrounding the event.

There will also be a “pop-up” sewing event on September 27, also at the Weston Library. The purpose of the event is to introduce people to the art of quilting.

Guests do not need any prior experience; they are invited to attend and learn.

The Southern Connecticut Modern Quilt Guild will welcome anyone into their group. Experience is not necessary because members are there to help newcomers to the art learn and grow. Their motivation is to continue developing modern quilting and introduce it to anyone who is interested.

More event details and information is available at southernctmqg.com or on the guild’s Facebook site (@SouthernCTMQG).

Maia Labbe is a Newtown resident and journalist intern whose work is funded through a grant from the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA).